Union Rivian-Mercedes: Future Electric Vans in Europe

To strengthen their ambitions in electric commercial vehicles, Rivian and Mercedes-Benz are joining forces to produce two models in Europe.

For its small electric utility vehicle, the Mercedes EQT and the professional version eCitan, Mercedes-Benz relies on Renault. The brand indeed takes over the Kangoo E-Tech and modifies it to its liking. But for vans, it will be different. The German manufacturer prefers an American player still unknown to the general public: Rivian.

Rivian David joins Mercedes Goliath

Rivian is the smallest of automotive companies, yet already growing significantly. Founded in 2017, this startup has rapidly grown, notably with a 100,000 electric truck order from Amazon. Ford then invested $700 million. But it’s important to note that the adventure started with an electric pickup truck, the R1T, available for a few months in the United States.

And Rivian hopes to reach Europe. However, its pickup and the R1S derivative are too large for the general public. The company is therefore turning to commercial vehicles and partnering with Mercedes, which has extensive experience in the field. They have signed a memorandum of understanding and will form a joint venture.

Two utility vehicles upcoming

Details are scarce at the moment. We learn that two electric vehicles will come from this partnership:

• A utility vehicle based on Mercedes VAN.EA, which will equip the Mercedes eSprinter 2023
• The other will use the Rivian RLV platform.

The only certainty is that both utility vehicles will be produced in Europe and will require a new factory. It is also understood that the models will look very similar. The statement specifies that they will adhere to “a design optimized for efficient manufacturing on shared assembly lines.”

Finally, Rivian and Mercedes-Benz do not want to stop there. The statement adds that both parties are considering “potentially increased synergies.”

Also read: Ford e-Transit: the electric utility vehicle arrives in Europe